Cop-Killer's Trial In Question Because State Can't Afford To Defend Him

Orlando, FL – The attorney for a gunman accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police sergeant said the state has run out of funding to pay for the murderer’s defense.

Attorney Terrance Lenamon recently told the court that, without more money from the state, the experts hired to testify on behalf of Markeith Loyd may not get paid, and that the nonpayment would violate state law, WFTV reported.

According to a motion filed by Lenamon, the Florida Justice Administrative Commission is in the midst of a $16.4 million deficit that could hinder Loyd’s defense.

It was the latest in a series of requests Lenamon has made that have resulted in Loyd’s trial dates to be pushed further and further out.

Loyd, 41, was originally scheduled to go to trial on September for gunning down his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, on Dec. 13, 2016, WKMG reported.

Loyd went on the run after Dixon’s murder, but surfaced again on Jan. 9, 2017, at a Walmart store.

A citizen recognized him as the subject of a manhunt, and alerted Orlando Police Department Master Sergeant Debra Clayton.

"Let me share something with the court so the court is not surprised,” Lenamon told Lauten in August. “It is unlikely I will ever agree to any deadlines until I am confident I am prepared.”

"Let me share this with you," the judge interjected. "You don't have to agree to my deadlines. It's not like if you don't agree to it that the case won't move forward.”

Loyd is now scheduled to go to trial for Dixon’s murder in May of 2019.

The trial date for Sgt. Clayton’s murder has not been set.

1

Comments

Sort: Oldest

No. 1-16

JBo

Nov 7, 2018

"Let me share this with you," the judge interjected. "You don't have to agree to my deadlines. It's not like if you don't agree to it that the case won't move forward.”

You tell 'em Judge.

J10107

Nov 7, 2018

Killer of Women, and Unborn Children !!!

He'll do well in prison.

Premeditated Murder - he wore a bullet proof vest because he knew that he'd have to eliminate/kill anyone who tried to stop him, or got in his way !!!

RPG156

Nov 7, 2018

While I agree that everyone deserves a defense, court-appointed attornies must operate within a reasonable budget. They can't be allowed to expect blank checks. They shouldn't be allowed to spend more than the prosecution does.

This post is hilariously and sadly out of touch with reality (especially with respect to the South).

Just-My-Thoughts

Nov 7, 2018

My thoughts and prayers to the officers family, This guy needs to go to jail or given the death penalty. He killed 3 people that they know of. With that said, and no condemnation of police, they need to spend more time at the range...honing their marksmanship.